Nail biting could be a sign of perfectionism

According to researchers in Quebec, what may be seen as a nervous tick, may actually be a sign of what perfectionists do when they're bored.

They studied 48 people during four different sessions created to cause stress, frustration, boredom or relaxation in the participants. Half of the participants suffered from some sort of body-focused repetitive behavior like nail biting, picking at split ends or skin.

Researchers say the participants who engaged in these repetitive behaviors were more likely to do so when they were frustrated, bored or stressed, as opposed to when they were relaxed.

In a press release, the lead researcher said this led his team to believe these may be signs of a perfectionist: "They are therefore prone to frustration, impatience and dissatisfaction when they do not reach their goals. They also experience greater levels of boredom."

This discovery falls into place with what is already known about perfectionism. According to a stress management expert on About.com, perfectionists are high achievers who get frustrated or beat themselves up when their goals aren't met.

This doesn't mean nailing biting is good for you, though.

The Mayo Clinic reports it can harm your teeth as well as cause germs to spread from your fingers to your mouth, increasing your chances of developing a cold or other infections.

But there's hope for those who engage in these repetitive behaviors.

A writer for Bustle says this study "indicates that we might have learned these were societally acceptable reactions to certain feelings and developed small addictions to them."

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LOS ANGELES, CA - APRIL 08: A general view at cote Launches Five-Free Nail Polish Line And Nail Care Destination on April 8, 2014 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Donato Sardella/Getty Images for cote)